PEERS - podcast cover

PEERS

The Peers Project www.thepeersproject.com

Australia's First BIPOC, Female-Led Founders Podcast. Est 2017.



Hello fellow founder,



Welcome to PEERS - a podcast by millennial founders for millennial founders. Join me, BIPOC female founder & Forbes 30 Under 30 Lister Michelle Akhidenor, for soul-enriching conversations with peers.



Each week, I sit down with a fellow founder or industry ally and deep dive into their entrepreneurial journey. I ask questions like: Where did they grow up? How has their upbringing impacted the choices they've made in their career to-date? How did they end up becoming a founder? How have they navigated through the inevitable challenges in business?



These conversations are honest, vulnerable and above all, human. My mission with this show is simple: to amplify diverse stories and voices; sharing conversations that matter to help fellow founders, my peers, feel less alone on their own journey.



Thank you for joining me, peers. Let's dive in!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

#020. Flash Friday: The Truth About Anxiety

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Milan Amin shares the truth about anxiety. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Milan Amin − CEO of The Notorious Hustlers Podcast Show and Instagram growth expert Listen to Milan’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-39-milan-amin/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 17, 20193 min

#067. Vanessa Pham: The Co-Founder of Oxtale on How Breaking Free From Expectations Leads to Success

There comes a point in every creative’s life when they have to decide whether to play it safe or risk it for the biscuit. Knowing what move to make gets doubly complicated when you throw in societal expectations and your family’s influence. In this episode, we learn how Vanessa Pham wrestled with this tension as a first generation migrant and how she broke free from the expectations she’d placed on herself. Vanessa Pham is the co-founder of Oxtale and a 2018 Forbes Fellow. Learn More: Be the fir...

Oct 13, 201939 min

#019. Flash Friday: Applying Sports to Leadership

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Partha Unnava shares how he applies a sports mentality to leadership. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Partha Unnava − 2015 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient and founder and CEO of Lasso, a company that creates revolutionary products that help athletes perform at 100%. Listen to Partha’s full episode: https://thepeersproject....

Oct 10, 20194 min

#066. Adam Schwartz: The Co-Founder of TeePublic.com on Adjusting Expectations for Success

It’s all too common for inherent dreamers, wishers, and go-getters to have huge aspirations for success. In order to achieve our victories, we place tremendous expectations on ourselves and how we want our future to look like. But what if there was a different way? In this episode, Adam Schwartz reveals how adjusting your expectations can better set you up for success and how this mindset helped him scale TeePublic.com to the profitable company it is today. Adam Schwartz is the co-founder and CE...

Oct 06, 201947 min

#018. Flash Fridays: Stop Holding Yourself Back

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Paul Powers shares how to stop holding yourself back. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Paul Powers − CEO of Physna and 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Listen to Paul’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-43-paul-powers/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Oct 03, 20194 min

#065. Alexa DePasquale: The Senior Vice President of Innovation at Grey Group, NY on Learning to Trust the Universe

All too often we can get caught up with playing the role of a fortune-teller. We try desperately to predict our future and often become paralysed about making the right choice when faced with new (or lack thereof) opportunities. But as Alexa DePasquale reveals, we just need the courage to ask for what we want and trust the universe will guide us. Alexa is the SVP of Innovation at Grey Group, NY. Learn More: Connect with Alexa on LinkedIn Follow Alexa on Instagram Discover Grey Group Hosted on Ac...

Sep 29, 201940 min

#017. Flash Fridays: How to Master Failing

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, James Heller shares how we can master failing. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: James Heller − Co-Founder and CEO of Wrapify and 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 listee Listen to James’ full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-44-james-heller/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 26, 20194 min

#064. Georges Clement: The Co-Founder of JustFix.nyc On Challenging the Status Quo

Sometimes it’s easier to go with the flow, blend into the crowd, and stick to the stuff we know. Often, the world’s problems can be so overwhelming that it’s easier to throw our arms up and call it a day. In this episode, Georges Clement reveals how we can get creative with problem solving and how to combat the things that frustrate us. Georges is the co-founder of JustFix.nyc and a 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient. Learn more about JustFix.nyc Follow JustFix.nyc on Twitter Follow Georges on In...

Sep 22, 201948 min

#016. Flash Fridays: Owning Your Choices

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Raj Jana shares how we can own our choices. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Raj Jana − CEO of Java Presse Coffee Company and host of The Stay Grounded podcast. Raj has also been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur, Forbes, Success Magazine and many more. Listen to Raj’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-36-raj-jan...

Sep 19, 20195 min

#063. Amanda Slavin: The Founder of CatalystCreativ On Engaging with Our Identity

Long before brands and influencers were worrying about Instagram’s intricate algorithms, or how to increase engagement, Amanda Slavin was a hop, skip and jump ahead of the curve. In this episode, Amanda reveals the secret sauce behind growing brand engagement, how to connect with others and how we can find our identity. Amanda Slavin is the founder and CEO of CatalystCreativ and was honoured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2015. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Sep 15, 201944 min

#015. Flash Fridays: Avoiding Common Failures

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our fan-favourite episodes. This week, Adrian Osman reveals how startups can avoid common failures. Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featuring: Adrian Osman − CEO of Pitchblak, a startup education and advisory company that has even been endorsed by Glen Richards from Shark Tank Australia Listen to Adrian’s full episode: https://thepeersproject.com/ep-31-adrian-osman/ Ho...

Sep 12, 20195 min

#062. Betsy Fore: The Founder of Wondermento and Co-Founder of Tiny Organics on A Life Building Imagination

While most children grow their imagination playing with toys, Betsy Fore went one further; she grew up inventing them. In this episode, we learn how Betsy fused her passion with earning a living in order to build a life she loves to live, every single day. Betsy Fore is the founder of Wondermento, co-founder of Tiny Organics, and a 2015 Forbes 30 under 30 honouree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 08, 201946 min

#014. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Ash Phillips − Tedx speaker and Founder of YENA, a vibrant community for future leaders starting and growing remarkable businesses. Blake Englehard −Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of New York-based tooth whitening company,...

Sep 06, 20195 min

#061. Jessica Wolf: The Executive Director of Community at Forbes on Building One Community After Another

Aside from inventing ice cream, there isn’t much more laudable that being on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. Perhaps, and only, except when you’re talking to the director of the entire community herself, Jessica Wolf. In this episode, we learn how this tour-de-force harnessed her love of community to climb the ranks, and how we can develop the resilience to keep moving on up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 01, 201933 min

#013. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Blake Englehard − Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of New York-based tooth whitening company, BrushOnSmile. Joe Benn − Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Ugly, a London-based flavoured sparkling water known for its phenomenal branding...

Aug 28, 20194 min

#060. Vicky Lay: The Co-Founder of Zookal on Showing Up For the Little Things

Even the most passive 11pm peruse on Instagram can make anyone suffer from a serious case of chasing their own tail—shiny trinket after trinket of gratification and praise. In this episode, we meet Vicky Lay and learn her methodology on how to say thank you, next to the labels and show up for what really matters. Vicky is the Co-founder of Zookal, the managing director of Artesian and a 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 25, 201936 min

#012. Flash Fridays

#012. Flash Fridays If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Filip Eldic − co-founder of Bluedot and a 2016 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Jason Lee − interim Vice President of the NEM Foundation and a 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Nick Chang − co-founder of Honee and a 20...

Aug 22, 20195 min

#059. Kiryl Trembovolski: The COO of Behavox On Raising The Bar

We’re willing to bet the world’s most perfect pinot that there’s at least one high achiever in your family that makes you feel like you’re imperfect if you fail to level up. In this episode we learn how being surrounded by do-great-ers and go-getters is what pushed Kiryl Trembovolski to thrive. Kiryl is the COO of Behavox and was honoured on the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 18, 201934 min

#011. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Zikry Kohlil, co-Founder and CCO of Incitement, a social business and thriving international community with establishments in over 46 countries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 15, 20194 min

#058. Amanat Anand & Shubham Issar: The Co-Founders of SoaPen On Creating an Unlikely Pairing

Some things are just better together; PB & J, Serena and Venus, and our two guests, Amanat Anand and Shubham Issare. In this episode, we learn how this dynamic duo created an unlikely pairing of forces to make hand washing more fun than eating cheese. Amanat and Shubham are the co-founders of SoaPen and 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 recipients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 11, 201936 min

#010. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Ashleigh Streeter − Forbes 30 under 30 recipient for her work with “Girls Take Over Parliament,” and was a previous co-founder of Jasiri Australia. Partha Unnava − 2015 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient and founder and CEO of Lasso, a ...

Aug 08, 20193 min

#057. Kim Patel: The Director of Global Corporate Strategy at VICE Media On Overcoming Adversity

With the consistent invasion of social media, it can feel like people are living a life of more gloss than grit. In this episode, we get candid about both with Kim Patel, the Director of Global Corporate Strategy at VICE Media. Kim Patel is recognised as one of the youngest corporate directors in VICE’s history and is on the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 04, 201947 min

#009. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Raj Jana − CEO of Java Presse Coffee Company and host of The Stay Grounded podcast. Raj has also been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur, Forbes, Success Magazine and many more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

Aug 01, 20195 min

#056. Alissa Baier-Lentz: The Founder of HERO Backpacks on How We Could be Heroes

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they’re just people willing to stand up and make a difference. In this episode, we discover the difference between, with the inspiring and courageous Alissa Baier-Lentz. Alissa is the founder and CEO of HERO Backpacks which has been featured on Forbes 30 under 30, Entrepreneur Magazine and The Today Show. Alissa, herself, was honoured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 30, 201933 min

#008. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Jess and Stef Dadon − Founders of How Two Live, a highly successful fashion blog, and Twoobs, a unique line of shoes. Lily Wu − Co-Founder of Austern International, a seven-figure global business that helps thousands of millennial...

Jul 26, 20196 min

#055. Eva Mackinley: The Founder of The Last Straw On Balancing Service and Self

Sometimes the idea of making a change can feel as overwhelming as choosing a scoop at Messina. In today’s episode, we graciously learn from Eva Mackinley that the first step to overcoming the fear of choice is simply getting out of our own way. Eva Mackinley is a 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 listee and the Founder of The Last Straw , a campaign which aims to end the use of plastic straws around Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 21, 201932 min

#007. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Jen Hansard − Founder and author of Simple Green Smoothies, the #1 online resource for green smoothie recipes. Lucy Bloomfield − Founder of Trefiel, a highly successful e-commerce business that was one of the leading brands of fac...

Jul 19, 20193 min

#054. Ally Watson: The Founder of Code Like a Girl on Being Unafraid to be Different

Straying from the flock can be tough, but for some, boring can be tougher. But embracing our differences is what allows us to shine. In this episode, we glean an exclusive bts on how Ally Watson combines creativity and technology to spark change in the tech community. Ally is the Founder of Code Like a Girl and named one of Australia’s nine most influential female entrepreneurs in 2017. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 14, 201941 min

#006. Flash Fridays

If there was ever a quick fix for finding inspiration, this is it. Our Friday five-minute highlight reel where we replay answers from our forever favourite question: What is the value of pursuing what you’re most passionate about? Ready, set, let’s hear it. Featurette: Adam Stone − 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 recipient and Founder & CEO of Speedlancer.com, the world’s fastest freelancer marketplace Bobby Oparaocha & Michael Husky-Nguyen − Co-Founders of Valyou Xchange, the world’s first dece...

Jul 12, 20195 min

#053. Uppma Virdi: The Founder of Chai Walli On Breaking Free From Expectations

Our next guest describes herself as many things – an entrepreneur, lawyer, tea master, women’s activist and so much more. Personally, we find ourselves describing her as a modern-day superhero. In this week’s episode, check out how Uppma Virdi broke free from expectations and created a path of her own. Uppma is the Founder of Chai Walli and a Forbes 30 under 30 listee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 07, 201932 min
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